If you know anything about Christian fiction, you’ve heard about this debut novel, which has made quite a splash in the Christian publishing industry. When I picked it up, I was prepared to enjoy it because I like edgy fiction, and what’s edgier than death? That’s the topic at the heart of Gina Holmes’ Crossing Oceans.

Jenny Lucas swore she’d never return to the home she abandoned as a willful, pregnant young woman. But life – or, in this case, imminent death – has a way of toppling even the best-laid plans. Six years after she left, she and her young daughter return to her serene, North Carolina hometown, forcing Jenny to confront all that she hoped she’d left behind for good – including her grudge-toting father and her self-absorbed lover, the man who fathered her child. While Jenny struggles to mend what must be mended before it’s too late, she finds herself succumbing the impossible – falling in love. And amidst it all, she’s forced to overcome her own hurts and prejudices in order to do what’s best for the child she loves more than life itself.

I liked Holmes’ multi-faceted characters – how her Christian characters could be flawed, while non-Christian characters could serve as role models. I liked that, despite the heavy themes, Holmes didn’t get bogged down in religiosity – there was no overblown emotion or grandiose philosophizing. Just simple, straightforward storytelling, the way it should be. The characters and plot unfolded naturally, like flowers blooming beneath the sun. Holmes seasoned her prose with delights and surprises, such as, she was by my side faster than I could say, “I’ll be right back,” and Sometimes a picture was worth a thousand lies. I especially savored the artful opening lines and the masterful full-circle effect Holmes achieved with her final one.

But probably Holmes’ greatest achievement was her ability to imbue hope and joy into what could have been a sad story. At the risk of damning with faint praise, I’ll say that I liked this novel a lot. In fact, I recommend it.